Another record-breaking year for Tallaght Person of the Year

MORE than 240 individuals, groups and businesses have been nominated for Tallaght Person of the Year Awards 2026.

The much-loved annual community led awards recognises and appreciates the power of the unsung community heroes in Tallaght across 9 categories as well as crowning an overall Tallaght Person of the Year next month.

Now in their 43rd year, the awards run by Tallaght Community Council (TCC) volunteers ensure there is a strong and visible recognition of Tallaght locally and indeed nationally.

The awards ensure Tallaght stands tall and celebrates the many talented Tallaght natives and community champions.

A diverse selection of nominees has been put forward for the awards this year, over 240 nominees, breaking previous records for the total number of nominees.

A strong vital sign of the community spirit here in Tallaght.

Liz Kennedy, Volunteer Chair of TCC 2026 said: “It was really heart-warming to see the strong volumes of online nominations again this year.

‘Just when you think we might have peaked and see the volumes levelling off, the impressive stories flood in. You can’t help but be impressed and inspired when you see them.

Over 240 amazing and varied nominees will be honoured this year – spanning all ages, from the corners of Tallaght and across all walks of life.

Our focus is not on quantity in the awards, but ensuring we shine a clear light across Tallaght to spotlight the very many who deserve to be acknowledged.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate. In a busy world, it is important to stop, reflect and appreciate the person, club, team, coach or business in your part of Tallaght you admire and value.”

A nomination is a practical but powerful way to show gratitude and acknowledgement to others.

The simple act of kindness and gratitude can have a long lasting, positive impact on people – individuals, teams and businesses.

“Our focus is honouring EVERY nominee in the Tallaght Person of the Year awards.

‘They all get recognised formally, everyone receives a certificate of appreciation, are listed in the media as a nominee, listed in the awards brochure and honoured from the stage on awards night. We hugely value every nominee of the 2026 awards.

‘Only one person walks away as the category winner on awards night, but they are really representing every nominee in their category for the year.”

The awards ceremony is a celebratory evening and will take place in The Plaza Hotel on the 21st of November.

Tickets for the awards night are now on sale from the box office at 01 4685350 until Monday November 16th of November, 10 am to 2 pm.

Tickets are €42.50 per person. The demand for tickets always exceeds supply, please don’t be disappointed and miss out.

The plush evening’s celebrations will include a red- carpet arrival, a prosecco reception, event finger food and three live performances through the evening.

Bobby Keeley will sing live at the reception ceremony, the vibrant from Sonna Samba will open the ceremony and the duo Perfect 10 will play in The Alder Café at the afterparty.

This year’s award ceremony will be MCed by Chris Keeley, senior communications manager by day and entertainer by night.

MC appearances include Croke Park, Aviva, RDS and College Green, House of Lords. Chris Says: “Compering Tallaght Person has been on the bucket list for some time so this truly is an honour”.

‘Our special guest and awards ambassador for this year is Luke Thomas, frontman of the well-known band The Swing Cats and radio broadcaster with 98FM.

“The final word goes to our sponsors, who partner with us enabling us to host these awards.

‘Thanks to RHK Bars, Tallaght & Firhouse Credit Union, SDCC, Amazon and Brian McElroy undertakers.

‘Thank you for your continued support to us and the Tallaght community. Your confidence is encouraging and appreciated. Go raibh maith agaibh.”

For more visit Tallaght Community Council or follow us on socials.